"The Saints had no qualms about letting DE Darren Howard sign with the Eagles as a free agent because they rank DE Will Smith as their best defensive player and want to get him on the field more. Howard's presence was stifling Smith by forcing him to share snaps and spend too many plays on the sideline. The team also expects Smith to become more of a leader with an expanded role; he has the respect of teammates because of his all-out style and no-nonsense demeanor. . . . "